Staff Picks

We're the luckiest musicians in the world! We have our hands on the GREATEST GEAR that has ever existed. We build it, we buy it, we play it, and of course we sell it. We all have our favorites and good reasons why. We'd love to keep it a secret and have all of the magical tones to ourselves but that would be CRAZY! Staff Picks is where each of our experts shares their FAVORITE GEAR! It's always changing, always updating with the latest and greatest. Enjoy CME Staff Picks!

SHOP CME STAFF PICKS!

SHOP CME STAFF PICKS

Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression

Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black

$ 1,787.00
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969

$ 229,084.00
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s

$ 79,666.00
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995

$ 108,450.00
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2.17.26 - February Staff Picks - Peter Melichar-5.jpg__PID:da7690db-064b-45d1-955c-baea99712c70

Featured Pick of the Month -
1969 Gibson Super 400

Peter - Counter Associate

"Big!"

Shop Vintage & Used Gear Arrivals!
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert

Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing

$ 41,066.00
From Taylor: 

Our V-Class bracing lends extra power, sustain and sweetness to this cutaway 12-fret Grand Concert, broadening its musical range. Blackwood back and sides produce a strong voice—even in small-body GC—with a meaty midrange focus and a splash of top-end shimmer, while the mahogany top adds a touch of natural compression to smooth out the response from top to bottom. The combination of a 12-fret neck, slightly shorter 24-7/8-inch scale length, and a shifted bridge position (closer to the center of the lower bout) produces a slinkier handfeel. This makes an excellent choice for players who crave the comfort of a compact frame. With its microphone-friendly voice, it also makes a great choice for recording, and with the ES2 electronics, produces a clear, flavorful amplified sound. The dark and earthy aesthetic incorporates a shaded edgeburst top over the dusky mahogany top, black binding, an all-satin finish, a black pickguard, and small diamond inlays in Italian acrylic.

Scale Length: 24-7/8"
Nut & Saddle: Black Graphite, Micarta saddle
Bracing: V-Class
Truss Rod Cover: Black Plastic
Pickguard: Black
Number of Frets: 18
Tuners: Taylor Slot Head
Case: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Brown
Body Length: 19 1/2"
Body Width: 15"
Body Depth: 4 3/8"

Binding/Edge Treatment: Black
Top Finish: Satin
Back Config: 2-piece No Wedge
Backstrap Finish: None
Rosette Size: Three Ring
Bridge Inlay: None
Back/Side Finish: Satin
Armrest Binding: None
Backstrap Wood: None
Rosette Mat.: Plastic
Stain/Sunburst: Blackwood Stain Back/Sides, Medium Brown Stain Top/Neck, Shaded Edge Burst Top
Shaded Edge Burst Top Wedge: None
Armrest: No

Neck Width: 1-3/4"
Fretboard Inlay: Gemstone, Italian Acrylic
Fretboard Binding/Edge Treatment: Black
Heel Cap Binding: Black
Type of Neck Joint: Scarf
Neck/Heel: Tropical Mahogany
Fretboard Wood: West African Ebony
Neck Finish: Satin
Heel Length: 3-1/4"
View Details

TIME FOR NEW GEAR?

Help us help you, by contacting us today and let us know what you are looking for! We are here to help make your next dream piece of gear a reality!

CALL US NOW!
Alex Chadwick - General Manager
Andrew Yonke - CEO
Daniel Bordonaro - Lead Buyer

CHECK OUT THESE STAFF PICKS:

Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller - Joe, Product Category Manager

"The Akai MPK Mini IV is a solid step up from the old version, better keys, punchier pads, and more tweakable knobs, yet it’s still only $99. Perfect for sketching beats at home, messing around in the studio, or taking your music anywhere. Seriously, it’s like getting a tiny music studio in your backpack… without the back pain."

Shop Akai Professional!
11.6.25 - October Staff Picks - Joe Sherman-12.jpg__PID:f6fcda76-90db-464b-b5d1-955cbaea9971

Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1961 Les Paul SG "CME Spec" - Laurel, Inventory Specialist

"When this beauty hit the shop it took me to a special place. One riddled with wooden panels, cigarette smoke, and a faint taste of scotch on the rocks. This 'CME Spec' SG brings me back to an era I never knew I needed to live in, and I'm here for it. Our Custom "S" Buckers have this baby singing to the high heavens no matter the amp. Not to mention the aging, masterfully done by Tom Murphy and his team, flawlessly ties together an intense feeling of nostalgia. No need for a time machine with this axe by your side."

Shop Gibson Custom Murphy Lab
Product image
2.17.26 - February Staff Picks - Felix d'Hermillon-2.jpg__PID:be2dba23-06c2-4d1c-9c98-a438fc4533fd

1960s Bruno's 12-String Electric Guitar -  Felix, E-Commerce Specialist

"I've been on the hunt for a 12-string guitar for a while now. But not just your "Grandma's standard 12-string". Not acoustic (barf). Nothing 'New'. Ideally something with 'Character'. 'Personality'. 'Pizazz'. Until one Sunny Wednesday day a few weeks ago, I was strolling across our showroom floor to head out for lunch. This little eye-booger caught the corner of my eye. The weird shape? The burst? Those grotesquely offset pickups? The "Giraffe-looking" headstock? The uniquely colored & speckled pickguard? I took it off the floor up to my desk almost immediately to make sure no other lucky customer would snag it before i got to it. I've had this in my arsenal now for about 2 weeks & it's written almost a dozen songs & has well above 20 hours of play time. "Good tools are half the work". Here's to many more songs to come with the new friend in my life, 'Ugly Bruno'."

Shop Vintage & Used!

Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom "CME Spec" Heavy Antique Ebony Murphy Lab Heavy Aged - Ocean, Customer Experience

"All hail the Ebony Queen! (The '68 Les Paul Custom) Heavy like a Viking's sword! Velvety like the skin of a newborn! Fury unleashed at the strum of a chord! Wield with caution - You have been warned!"

Shop Gibson Guitar Arrivals!
10.07.25 - September Staff Picks - Sam Ocean-05.jpg__PID:8ab3cbaf-0e68-4341-a746-310b11196e25
2.17.26 - February Staff Picks - Zach Moore-2.jpg__PID:f5d1955c-baea-4971-ac70-af4ad8a8b141

Ludwig 8x14 Cast Slotted Coliseum Aluminum Snare Drum - Zach, Brand Content Manager

"Aluminum as thick as a tank wall. Slotted-build. This thing cracks like no other! I love an 8x14 snare size too, as the depth, to me, adds a bit more thump while the slotted design makes this thing LOUD AF! Not built for the weak of heart, this snare is built to tear the building down!"

Shop Ludwig Drums!

Atkin Dust Bowl 0014 Mahogany - Johnny, Counter Associate

"This Atkin is an awesome, small-bodied acoustic that pays tribute to the vintage mahogany guitars of the past. Not only is it extremely comfortable, but it is a perfect tool to accompany a singer/songwriter. It's great for fingerpicking and definitely provides a vintage-inspired voice that will keep you from putting it down. "

Shop Atkin Guitar Arrivals!
10.07.25 - September Staff Picks - Johnny Kascukas-3.jpg__PID:1c306c2e-5863-4ab9-91ea-ed7062a7958c
10.02.25 - September Staff PIcks - Dan Lump-4.jpg__PID:6c2e5863-eab9-41ea-ad70-62a7958c2ca4

Roland SRE-555 and 1965 Fender Reverb Unit - Dan, Vintage Buyer

"Back before the time of compact pedals. They may be expensive, big, heavy, impractical, inconvenient, and sometimes unreliable, but damn do they sound better than anything else. If you've got the space, budget, and patience, these are extremely inspiring pieces of gear."

Shop Effects & Pedal Arrivals!

SHOP STAFF PICKS

Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression

Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller Black

$ 1,787.00
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony 1969

$ 229,084.00
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Ampeg Dan Armstrong Clear 1970s

$ 79,666.00
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Gibson Custom 1964 Lonnie Mack Flying V Cherry 1995

$ 108,450.00
SHOP CME STAFF PICKS!

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